2012 audi r8 Reviews and News

2012 Audi R8

By
Automobile Magazine
- 11/01/2011

The mid-engine, all-wheel-drive R8 enters its fifth model year and is still capable of turning heads at rotational speeds that rival the engines' lofty redlines: 8200 rpm for the 4.2-liter V-8, 8700 rpm for the 5.2-liter V-10. Regardless of engine choice, this aluminum masterpiece is as spectacular to drive as it is to look at. Provided, that is, that you're driving one equipped with a manual transmission. The six-speed stick is a pleasure to master, as its metal external shift gate provides a satisfying clack-clack soundtrack as you row through the gears. Even as the rest of the world (including Audi) has moved on to dual-clutch automatics, the R8's automatic transmission remains a jerky, single-clutch unit that saps the everyday usability out of this car. Although the R8 certainly looks and feels more exotic, the Porsche 911 is really its biggest competitor. In terms of usability, the 911 -- available with a dual-clutch transmission and a back seat -- is the clear winner. On the other hand, there are few cars on the road that compete with the R8's presence, exclusivity, and performance. If the latter two are especially important, you might consider the R8 GT, which contains a 560-hp version of the Lamborghini V-10 engine but, unfortunately, comes mated only to the automatic gearbox.

A special version of the Audi R8 supercar is headed to the Chinese market, and it will be limited to just 80 copies. The Audi R8 coupe is only offered in China with a 525-hp, 5.2-liter V-10 engine; the car's 4.2-liter V-8 is unavailable.

The traditional rear-view mirror is a thing of the past in the Audi R8 e-tron. A nifty digital rear-view camera will act as an extra set of eyes on the electric supercar when it goes into production at the end of the year.
A 7.7-inch screen displaying an image of everything going on around back will be perched where a rear-view mirror is normally mounted. The lightweight screen features AMOLED (Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode), which is similar to what’s used on cell phones. Thanks to a small, lightweight camera located inside a housing at the top of where the rear windshield usually is, drivers will be able to see a much wider field than an average rear-view mirror would show. The housing is heated so it won't freeze over, and the driver can dim or deactivate the mirror at any time.
Audi has already used the rear-view camera system in the R18 e-tron quattro and R18 ultra race cars that ran at this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans, where the automaker won the top three spots.
Since the R8 e-tron will have a limited run of 1000 units, we wonder whether the techy rear-view mirror will start trickling into a higher-volume model like the next-generation R8. Audi spokesman Mark Dahncke told us the assumption can be made, although there's presently nothing on the horizon. Whatever the case, we can see a digital rear-view mirror as a stepping stone for digital side-view mirrors, which could increase aerodynamic efficiency, reduce wind noise, and lead to bolder concept-car-like designs.
Source: Audi

Worried the Audi R8 is starting to look a little commonplace and boring, but can’t wait for the facelifted 2013 model? Fortunately, Audi has seen fit to release Exclusive Selection Edition models of the 430-hp, 4.2-liter V-8 R8 and its 525-hp, 5.2-liter V-10-powered sibling.Just 20 copies of the Exclusive Selection Edition R8 V-8 and 30 copies of the V-10 model will be brought to the U.S.

We already knew that the Audi R8 e-tron had set a quick 8:09.09 lap time at the Nürburgring, and now Audi has provided video to prove it. This video shows both onboard and exterior views as the R8 e-tron charges around Germany's famed toll road.

Warranty

Recalls

Recall Date

12-31-1969:21:35:10

Component

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Summary

VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 AUDI R8 SPYDER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 18, 2010, THROUGH JUNE 22, 2011. THE FUEL SUPPLY LINE MAY CONTACT AND RUB AGAINST THE HEAT SHIELD IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THIS COULD LEAD TO A SMALL FUEL LEAK.

Consequences

A FUEL LEAK IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL LINE FOR DAMAGE AND REPLACE IT IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 22, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834.